BackgroundRemover vs Knockout API

BackgroundRemover uses AI to remove image and video backgrounds, with options for people, general subjects, or faster processing. Images can be refined with alpha matting or mask output, then given a color or image background; video output can be transparent MOV, matte key, GIF, or a composite over another image or video. Its command-line formats include JPG, JPEG, PNG, HEIC, and HEIF images, and MP4, MOV, WebM, OGG, and GIF video. The open-source project can be installed locally for free with pip or from source, and it offers a local HTTP API as well as a hosted REST API with examples in Python, PHP, JavaScript, and C#. GPU detection is automatic, with CPU fallback when needed. The Free plan is free and allows one standard-resolution transparent PNG image daily, short videos, and ads, without batch processing. Pro (annual) is $9 a year, billed at US$ 108.0 annually; Pro (monthly) is $12 a month.

Knockout API provides image and video processing through a browser app and API. Its image tools cover background removal and replacement, batch processing, masking, smart crop, stickers, outlines, shadows, and inpainting; the API also handles upscaling, portrait restoration, colorization, and object removal. Video background removal runs asynchronously, with job polling for progress. The browser Canvas supports layered designs with text and effects, and users can save canvases and cutouts to a free account. Developers can connect through REST, any HTTP client, or official Node, React, Python, and CLI options. The service says it manages GPU processing, endpoint updates, usage records, credentials, teams, and billing. Its privacy policy says uploaded images are processed in GPU worker memory, not retained after the response, and not used to train models. The Free plan is free, with 30 images per month and 60 requests per minute. Pay-as-you-go is $0.02 a month, with metered usage billed monthly; Plus is $10 a month. Paid tiers have no monthly cap and a 600-request-per-minute limit.